Grantee Research Project Results
Supply Chain Management for Infrastructure Development of Solar Energy Recharging Stations
EPA Grant Number: U915594Title: Supply Chain Management for Infrastructure Development of Solar Energy Recharging Stations
Investigators: Dargan, Tarsha N.
Institution: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
EPA Project Officer: Lee, Sonja
Project Period: August 1, 2000 through August 1, 2002
Project Amount: $80,137
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1999) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Safer Chemicals , Fellowship - Engineering
Objective:
The objectives of this research project are to: (1) establish the theoretical foundation for wide-scale setup of solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles; and (2) efficiently provide the deliverable to the customer via supply chain management tools and techniques.
Approach:
Previous work has explored teaming the fossil fuel-powered charging facilities with fast food restaurants to compensate for lengthy charging times or setting up chargers at park-rides and office complexes. This research presents the use of a totally renewable, non-polluting energy source (solar energy) for battery recharging, as well as onsite battery exchange, to make the wait times more conducive to normal vehicle "filling" times. A network will be set up to simulate optimal station location based on the number of customers to be served, minimal wait times, efficient provision of the service to the customer, etc. One of the success factors in the implementation is ensuring that the batteries are in the proper position at the proper time. Supply chain management will ensure that these needs are met in a timely and cost effective manner. The supply chain is comprised of the manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers working in concert to supply goods and services to its local, national, or international customers. By optimizing the supply chain, managers have experienced quicker response to market demands, lower risk, and higher quality.
Expected Results:
This study will investigate the feasibility of establishing adequate infrastructure for widespread electric vehicle use.
Supplemental Keywords:
electric vehicle, solar energy, recharging stations, simulation, environmental impact., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Sustainable Industry/Business, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Sustainable Environment, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Economics and Business, Environmental Engineering, Engineering, cleaner production, resource management, waste minimization, waste reduction, clean technologies, green design, clean technology, automotive industry, environmental sustainability, electric vehicles, pollution prevention design, supply chain analysis, energy efficiency, energy technology, solar energy, alternative energy source, product life cycle, battery recharging, innovative technology, life cycle assessment, pollution prevention, green technology, renewable resourceProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.